Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Ferritin levels reflect the amount of stored iron in the body; ferritin is the main storage protein for iron inside of cells. It is the most useful indicator of iron deficiency, as the ferritin stores can be significantly decreased before any fall in the serum iron concentration occurs.
Specimen container paediatric:
Serum (SST or plain tube)
Specimen container adult:
Serum (SST or plain tube)
Minimum volume paediatric:
0.5 mL blood
Minimum volume adult:
1 mL blood
Sample stability:
Unseparated: Unknown
Separated:
at +15° to +25°C: 24 hours
at +2° to +8°C: 7 days
at -20C: 1 year
Interpretation:
GP Adult haematology guidelines – click here
Ferritin is found in serum in low concentrations and is directly proportional to the body’s Iron stores. Serum ferritin concentration, when analysed with other factors such as serum iron, TIBC and tissue iron stores, is valuable in the diagnosis of iron-deficiency anaemias, anaemias of chronic infection and conditions such as thalassaemia and haemochromatosis that are associated with iron overload. Measurement of serum ferritin is particularly valuable in distinguishing iron-deficiency anaemias caused by low iron stores from those resulting from inadequate iron utilisation.
Apart from iron storage serum ferritin is also an acute phase reactant protein.
Reference ranges:
Paediatric: Consult paediatric haematologist for interpretation.
Adult
< 12 µg/L complete absence of stored iron
< 20 µg/L indicates iron depletion
> 60 µg/L iron deficiency unlikely (chronic disease)
> 300 µg/L may indicate iron overload in men and post-menopausal women
> 200 µg/L may indicate iron overload in pre-menopausal women